Shane Jones on New Zealand's Fuel Security

Take note New Zealand government, get this thing operating again - pronto. 

Associate Minister of Energy, Shane Jones is quite correct to talk about political economy. This is not a purely commercial matter, it is strategic in nature and of utmost importance.

Marsden Point had a hydrogen production unit if going down that road, the country has gone backwards with the closing of its one refinery.
 

Newshub Bailout Looms?

I've been closely following statements by New Zealand cabinet ministers, about the plight of TV3's News operation and its planned shutdown by Warner Bros. Discovery. It's looking increasingly likely that this private company will be getting a taxpayer funded bailout. It makes my blood boil.

These were people who championed lockdowns and the jab. They're the lowest of the low. 

This latest government hasn't been in office very long, so it's about time they learnt to read the room. TV3 are loathed by the majority of the people. Bail them out at your peril as if you do, your re-election chances will plummet. Use taxpayer funds to deliver long awaited improvements to the country's infrastructure instead. 

Just watch the outrage if Newshub gets bailed out 

Final NZ Election Results 2023 - Winston Peters Kingmaker

Winston Peters is kingmaker. New Zealand First can make either side the government. That's the conclusion of the finalised results just announced.

Now, watch the fur fly.

Here's a link with some analysis:

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/501620/updates-final-election-2023-results-released-after-special-votes-counted-ballots-checked

https://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/

Shane Jones Bank

I laughed when the New Zealand ACT party leader David Seymour called the Regional Development fund, Shane Jones Bank. NZ doesn't have a good record with this kind of thing. Money is always diverted and any gains often remain illusory. The latest round of funding for the West Coast of the South island is a drop in the ocean compared to what the West Coast mining sector could generate in earnings on its own, and they wouldn't need government funding at all. But then most of the minerals that the West Coast is rich in, the NZ government is allergic to.

Shane Jones vs Air NZ

And the winner is...Shane Jones. Air New Zealand, what a dud, how many times have they gone bust...hmm?

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102424489/shane-jones-continues-war-of-words-with-air-nz-as-chairman-hits-back 

I've got to applaud Shane Jones for trying.